Wonderful fair trade import goods store with hand made unique gifts. Kind of place you only find in college towns. Looking for a gift for an over educated traveler who reads a lot? Looking for a gift for someone who appreciates hand made? Looking for an artistic gift for yourself or a souvenir of your Ann Arbor trip? Come here! read more

Ten Thousand Villages - Ann Arbor - Jewelry Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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Took my niece for her bday present and she loved walking around the store--three times at least--wondering at all the cool items, and trying to decide! The staff were very friendly and helpful, and we had a great visit! read more

We did some browsing here, and picked up an item to bring home. This store is part of a small chain though the one in Colorado is not a convenient place for me to shop. Also, since the thing I was considering is handmade, there is also variation from item to item with no guarantee of finding the identical one at home. I wanted THIS one! The gentleman who appeared to be the manager found substantial packing material to make for a safe journey in my luggage home. Plus it will always be a reminder of a fun visit to Ann Arbor. read more

What a cute store!! They have a great selection, like Tibetan singing bowls, mancala boards, pillows, jewelry, and more. I got a mancala board plus an adorable wooden sculpture of a sleeping dog. read more

This is a neat idea for a shop. An earnest platinum-blond-haired boy with pierced ears wanted desperately to tell me all about it almost as soon as I'd entered the store. I think they got a bit of recent exposure in the press and a lot of stop-in traffic from the recent Ann Arbor Art Fairs and they're feeling giddy about their new endeavor. In short, Ten Thousand Villages is a Fair Trade store selling decorative items and handicrafts from third-world countries. The store is largely staffed by volunteers, and you can buy gifts for friends or fair trade coffee for yourself knowing that the artisans and workers were paid a fair price and no child labor was involved. The interior is really beautiful, and there's a station where you can help yourself to samples of the fair trade coffee they sell there. Items for sale range from paper dinner sets made from recycled material to musical instruments to hand-crafted soaps. I'd definitely consider Ten Thousand Villages if I was shopping for a birthday or Christmas present for someone who has unique taste and is hard to buy for. read more

Ten Thousand Villages - Ann Arbor - Jewelry Near Me - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor is also known for specialty stores and rare jewels. This is going to be my little place of wonders where I accidentally walked into the store and was captivated by the rare collections of native products from all over the world. Ten Thousand Villages is the home of products that are made from third world countries. Each item is marked from its country of origin and donates parts of the sale back to its creator. I had never shopped at an establishment that has this wonderful concept. I purchased two amazing candle holders that came from Africa. They were hand craved onyx revealing its natural beautiful colors of browns, reds, and orange. I immediately had images in my mind where to place them when I get home. That's how you can tell it's a great find and a story to tell when someone should ask, "Did you get that from World Market?" I also want to give a special thank you to R, Carole (the lady that helped me) and the manager Susan A for educating me on the store's mission statement. I wish we had a store like this one in the Bay Area near San Jose! read more

It's not everyday a gal finds a steal of a jewelry dish in the form of a Kenyan water buffalo... And it's not everyday you find a sweet spot like this non-profit, volunteer run, fair trade world market... especially one with uber discounted water buffalo trinkets. Not everything's going to be for everyone, but I can't afford to travel out of the country so I travel to Ann Arbor and buy cool ish from somewhere that can. On my next stop, you better believe this cat daddy won't be leavin' without at least 2 different kinds of cat tchotchkes. And, because all your shopping goes to a great cause, you never have to feel the symptoms of that awful retail regret. read more

This nation needs more places like this. Ten Thousand Villages reminded me of a World Market on a smaller scale. There were antiques and classics from all over the world, including my favorite, the singing bowl, from East Asia. The music pieces were by far, the most interesting, but I came across other exciting knick-knacks as well. There was a nifty gadget from Nepal that span continuously after you twisted it. Apparently it is used on the streets by people who recite hymns while this piece spins, due to a paper inside. I don't know too much about the details and mechanics of it...but it was cool. The Peruvian coffee that was sampled was also some yummy coffee. I came across knitted winter gear as well, which I've seen in New York, and I absolutely love! It was exciting to see in the store. The best thing about this place that ties it all together is the fact that these crafts are made by people in rural, underdeveloped areas all over the world, and provides them an income. The only issue I have is that the items are ridiculously overpriced, and I am not sure how much is actually given to the craftsmen. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this place and all it's fun and creative goods. They are said to make great presents, so definitely check this place out. read more

Such earnest people. Is it too good to be true? Do poor people who make the items really benefit greatly, with no obscene profits taken by some unseen entrepreneur? Or is it truly what they say: "the first Fair Trade, non-profit handicraft retail store in the city." I just don't know. The store stocks many attractive gift items appropriate for a wide variety of recipients at many prices. read more

I was on a mission today: to walk into Ten Thousand Villages, fall in love with something, buy it and give it as a gift. I accomplished every one of those plus some (I already want to go back and buy more gifts). Giving is better than receiving in my book, and I am such a giver. I love thinking of the most kick-ass gift for my loved ones and the most unique or most special. I aim to please. I hope that I do all of that with the beautiful scarf I purchased today. The basis of this store is profound. Fair Trade. Like all of the other reviews mention: these skilled artisans from third world countries and communities receive the majority of the money that we pay for the items. And they have beautiful items lining the store. I skimmed back and forth hoping that I wasn't missing anything. Scrutinizing each item to see if I could use it in my own home or if someone I knew would fall in love with it. Each tag[well most except for some of the jewelry] has the origin on it. If it doesn't the workers will be more than happy to look it up for you. Customer Service: astounding! These volunteer workers are amazingly helpful. When I told them a country that I was interested in they took the time to look that specific country up to pull up a list of all their stock items from there. When the lady was having technical difficulties, and I told her not to worry about it, that I would browse myself, she continued to attempt and then asked a coworker for help, and came to me with all the items. They were all happy to bring items to my attention, describe them and answer any questions I had. The lady at the register was so kind in trying to find the perfect sized box to gift my scarf in and included to gift card that explains Ten Thousand Villages to the recipient and offered more tissue paper. They have a small tv playing their mission statement and what happens to the money once you purchase something from there. I felt so good leaving the store, and hope they have even more added products for my return! read more

I like what this store stands for: hand-made and fair trade. It was started by a church group, to help craftspeople in developing countries find a market for their products. It's the opposite of Walmart. Besides the fact that most of the money goes to the makers of what you buy (employees are actually volunteers), it's astounding to see that there are lots of well-made, handcrafted decorative and useful objects. It makes mass production look kind of silly. read more

I've been frequenting Ten Thousand Villages for many years right back to when they hit the retail market back in the mid-1990s. This location is nice and well suited for the Ann Arbor area. Lots of stuff...okay variety...from many 3rd world country artisans...offered at typically more reasonable prices than what you'd find at other shops. Other TTVs seem to have a little more variety of goods, but this one does not disappoint. read more

Very different items from all over the world!!! Oh my goodness! What can I say about this little store tucked in the heart of downtown AnnArbor, MIchigan?? They have everything and anything you could want or not want, but may enjoy looking at; and they have things imported from all over the world! They also help other countries by giving some of the monies back to the people who actually make the items that are sold here!. You want to talk about "unique'? They have some of the most unique items and gifts for the person who has everything! There are tons of jewelry items and alot of it is hand made from another country. Some of the items are even made from candy wrappers and put into the makings of a small purse! It's really different and quirky and you can gawk and look around all you want. The people who work here are so nice and very helpful. They'll stand and talk to you all day and they seem really excited about their job and what it stands for ! It really makes you feel good to buy something here because the workers told us that they actually give back some of the funds to people all over the world, the less fortunate. They are the ones who make most of the items in this unique little store. I hope you will visit this shop some time if you are here in town, it's one of the best there is! read more

What a great spot to pick up unique gifts at affordable prices! AND (bonus time) you can shop and feel like you're supporting a good cause! The concept of Ten Thousand Villages is promoting fair trade. The "employees" of the store are all volunteers and the items sold in the store are from all over the world, creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged artists who are paid fair wages for their work. There are many household items, purses, scarves, coffee, and (my favorite) they also have a really nice collection of beaded jewelry - I've gotten some nice things here that receive oodles of compliments! BOTTOM LINE: A great spot to shop for yourself or find a unique gift for someone else... the bonus is that you feel like you're supporting a good cause. read more

Here's the run-down (straight from their website): "provide(s) sustainable economic opportunities for artisans in developing countries by creating a viable marketplace for their products in North America." They sell jewelry, home decor, sculptures, and all sorts of unique gifts from a wide variety of developing countries. Now, I know this is not something that the majority of people value in our incredibly consumer-driven materialistic society, but I look for QUALITY, unique, one-of-a-kind type items. I like things that are handmade, not some cookie cutter, mass-made product. Things that are made by skilled-artisans in other countries? Even better! Fair trade, too? I'm totally sold! I first learned about Ten Thousand Villages in high school, when my Spanish teacher told my class about the store and asked us to visit it after a "field trip" to a Mexican restaurant down the street. I fell in love immediately, and many MANY years later the love affair continues. Ten Thousand Villages is a volunteer-run nonprofit and the people working there are ALWAYS friendly and helpful. Even if you don't make a purchase, you feel better about the world after just having visited here. Definitely stop by next time you are in the area and keep Ten Thousand Villages in mind for all of your gift-buying needs! read more

Love, Love, LOVE this store! I have spent a good deal of time here, and come here for unique gifts. I also like their selection of different coffees. I love that everything is fair trade, so you can feel amazing about your purchase! You know that you are helping to support a local business and the local economy, but you are also helping to support those worldwide who are less fortunate. You can spend a lot of time here, and still not see everything in the store. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and always on-hand to help you. If you are looking for those unique gifts for the people who have it all, make your way to Ten THousand Villages! read more

I can't even begin to explain how much I adore this store. My boyfriend introduced me to Ten Thousand Villages on a recent trip to Ann Arbor. It's a fair trade, non profit retailer that sells items from all around the world. I could very easily spend a ton of time (and money!) in this store. Highly recommended, and I can't wait to go back :) read more

Beautiful handmade products from all over the world. They pay fair trade prices, enter into long term contracts with artisans so that they have a steady living wage. You'd be crazy not to buy EVERY GIFT from here. The works were beautiful, handmade and well priced with your $ going towards helping people in developing nations make a living! What more could you ask for?! The store manager was insanely passionate about the store..she gave us an overview of the store as we entered and over our 60min browseathon she must have come by 6 times to educate us on the origin of the item we were looking at and she did the same for everyone in the store. Never seen anything like it before. read more

This is where I buy most of my gifts! Fair trade, non-profit, interesting and fun items... makes for a great place to shop. Items from developing countries around the world are labeled with the country name and often more information on an item can be pulled up in the store computer. Price range for items varies greatly and there is lots of jewelry and other items under $20. A very kid and family friendly store, I often see a group gathered around the instruments having a little impromptu jam session. I always receive a warm welcome and usually offered a sample of coffee. The staff, most of which are volunteers, and interesting and lots of fun to talk to. Yes, some of them get a bit enthusiastic and want to tell you all about the store and the artists it works with, but their enthusiasm is genuine and as volunteers they aren't profiting from what I may or may not purchase. Bottom line, I enjoy shopping here and I feel good about were my dollars are going. read more

FAIR TRADE, YOU DECIDE Interesting concept, one that's finally catching on- fair trade. LOCAL & GLOBAL You can support local and support the world economy all in one shot by shopping here. ITEMS They have many items that are consistent standby's that never change and they restock, but often they change out items (especially at the front of the store) monthly or seasonally. Definitely an interesting trip around the world with lots of hand-crafted items. Something to explore for sure. PRICED low to high. you can pick and choose if you want a low priced or high priced item meets what you're looking for. home decor, practical use items, jewelry, musical instruments, etc. they have a diverse selection. You decide if it's fair trade or not, check it out. If you take a walk downtown you cannot miss them on the edge of the corner. read more

Love this store and knowing I'm supporting fair trade. This is the first place I go to for gifts.

I love the Ten Thousands Villages mission to provide a place for individuals to market their products in North America. They sell everything here and it is such a lovely place to explore and find new treasures. Some are even handmade and are real artifacts! I highly suggest you visit here if you are searching for a new, beautiful item to make your home feel complete! read more

This is the 1 place u have to make sure to shop in A2. 1) Service: Women are friendly and I found out volunteer! So, u know they'll be nice since its on their time. 2) a wonderful assortment of handmade goodies....cute jewelry, soaps that have a lot of nice smelling oil in them, choc bars (yum), great coffee mugs, ANd some of the prettiest scarves under $38 Ive ever seen (and I'm a shopper). And as others have noted, they help out developing areas, which is very cool. read more

This shop does have interesting items and their cause is stated out front before you enter, therefore it's annoying when the employees approach you to give you the 'spiel'. Whenever I go in the store I try my best to avoid the staff unless I'm buying something. read more

One of the best things about this place is the necklace selection. Basically, there are a zillion different strings of ... whatever ... in every color and material imaginable, sorted by color. The prices are very reasonable, as these are third-world items. If you like to wear a bit of color and texture, build a collection from here. read more